2/4/2026: Small Consistent Efforts Pay Off

Small Consistent Efforts Pay Off

My 6+ week follow-up with the surgeon came with a fair amount of anxiety. These appointments are about making sure nothing has gone wrong—that I haven’t done anything reckless, that the hardware is intact, healing is progressing as expected, and that I can be promoted to the next phase of recovery.

Because I wasn’t allowed to do much, I focused on the small things I could do to support healing: consistent walking to promote circulation, prioritizing proper rest, and placing real emphasis on good nutrition.

After the X-rays, I returned to the room to await Dr. Goch and his interpretation. He walked in with a smile and a handshake—yes, with my right (fractured) arm.

“Your X-rays look great,” he said. “I don’t usually expect to see substantial bone healing at this point, but I do.”

“I guess 100 miles of walking in January and beetroot juice every morning worked,” I replied.

He seemed genuinely impressed by the consistency and commitment. Then came the good news: the protocol was being increased substantially. Full, aggressive range of motion. Up to 10 pounds of lifting. Joint mobility. Driving. Swimming. Running—all approved.

“And in four more weeks, you should be fully released.”

Back to life.

Part of me wants to chalk this up to luck. But a bigger part of me knows better. I practiced what I preach as a physical therapist and wellness practitioner. Small, smart, consistent efforts matter. Even when you’re limited, there is always something you can do.

You wouldn’t think that walking, resting well, and eating well could have such a fast and meaningful impact on the healing of a broken arm—but in my case, it looks like they did.